Runner Safety | Tips & Advice from Mace®
Smart Strategies to Run Safe
There’s nothing like a good run to start or end your day. But unfortunately, many runners these days face scary situations when they hit the roads or trails solo.
Runner’s World recently showed that an alarming number of women are worried about their personal safety. According to the results the magazine published from a recent survey conducted by Adidas in which 9,000 runners from nine different countries were interviewed: 92% of women reported feeling concerned for their safety, with half (51%) afraid of being physically attacked, compared to 28% of men.
Our advice for how to run safely: Don’t let fear ruin your running routine. Here are some smart and safe running tips to fuel your run with greater safety and confidence.
1. Follow the crowd.
Avoid dark, secluded areas where you’re the only person around, especially when you’re alone. Stay on paths or roads with other people around you.
2. Tell someone where you’re going.
Don’t head out the door without telling a friend or family member where you’re going and when they can expect you back. Some apps allow you to map and share your run route as long as your phone is with you.
3. Don’t run with headphones.
It’s safe to carry your phone in a pocket or armband but leave your headphones/earbuds at home. Music distracts you from hearing cars, dogs, and other people around you.
4. Be aware of your surroundings.
Practice situational awareness and look ahead, behind you, and from side to side throughout your run. If you notice anyone following you or other strange activity, keep your distance and get to a safe location as soon as possible.
5. Bring backup.
It’s always a good idea to bring a personal defense tool like pepper spray, stun gun, or personal alarm to ensure runner safety. Not only does it help you feel more prepared and confident, but if faced with a potential threat, you can use it to protect yourself and get to safety.
6. Alternate your routes.
Try not to run the same course every time. Switch up your routes to avoid being predictable to a potential assailant.
7. Stride with confidence.
Even if you’re scared, looking secure makes you appear less vulnerable. Keep your posture strong and your head up. Make eye contact with other people. And always run with a powerful stride no matter your pace.
Mace® Brand is here to help you feel more prepared, secure, and ready on every run. Check out our sport pepper sprays for runners. These hand-held personal safety devices are easy to take with you and have at the ready with an adjustable hand strap. And they come in five different colors, so you can pick your favorite.
Like many of our Mace® Brand products, the sport pepper spray has a flip-top safety cap to prevent accidental discharge, and the finger-grip design helps ensure an accurate shot. It contains 20 bursts with a spray range of 12 feet, and it's made in the USA.
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